Singapore model tunnel roads in Bengaluru: A solution or another traffic nightmare?

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Singapore model tunnel roads are a proposed solution to Bengaluru's notorious traffic congestion.

The model involves constructing underground roads to divert traffic away from the surface, freeing up space for other uses such as public transportation and pedestrian walkways. The Government of Karnataka is considering this option and has sent a delegation of senior officials to Singapore to gain first-hand experience of the model.

However, the proposal has met with opposition from advocates of public transport, who argue that the money would be better spent on improving existing bus and rail services. Avinash Chanchal, Campaign Manager, Greenpeace India, said, “In order to effectively tackle traffic congestion and pave the way for a sustainable future, Bengaluru must invest wisely in its public transport system.”

The Singapore model has been successful in reducing traffic congestion in the city-state, but it is important to note that Bengaluru is a very different city. Bengaluru is more densely populated than Singapore, and the geology of the two cities is also different.

Professor Ashish Verma, A transport systems engineer, from the department of civil engineering at IISc said, “While adapting something from an international country makes sense, it is important to know what can be implemented. Tunnel roads will only motivate people to buy more cars and will make the roads more congested. That will not be a solution.” He added that tunnels that might be constructed will not be accessible by public transport vehicles and will be accessible only to private transport vehicles.